5 Conspiracy Theories About Car Key Cutting Cost You Should Avoid How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is not an ideal option. Luckily, AutoZone has the technology and spare parts to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. On average, this costs 20% less than going through a dealer.

Keys with Transponder chips

Many modern cars have key fobs that offer security and ease for the owner of the vehicle. However they come at an expense. In certain instances it could be expensive to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to purchase a spare key now than to wait until you lose your car keys and then pay for the locksmith or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which has its name derived from the words "transmitter + responder") has been a standard feature in cars since the mid 1990s. car key cutting cost was developed as a response to the rising rate of vehicle theft. A car transponder transmits the secret code through a signal. When the key is placed in the ignition and the antenna rings around, it reads the signal. If the signal matches the password, then the engine will begin. This is important as most thieves simply wire the vehicle and drive away.

Transponder chips function in a similar way to microchips used in computers and cell phones. The difference is that they don't need constant power to work. Instead, they emit an electromagnetic signal at a low frequency that is detected by special receivers placed in the ignition cylinder or on the key head itself.

We suggest that you visit your local locksmith if you require an extra key for a vehicle with transponder. The majority of locksmiths have a device that can program new keys to match the model and make of your vehicle. This is a great alternative to going to the dealership.

It is also important to know that some shops, such as AutoZone will provide key programming services. They typically charge more than a professional locksmith. This is due to the fact that they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the number of units sold rises. In this way, they could transfer their savings to the consumer.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips which connect with the vehicle when the key is put into the ignition. These keys are more expensive to replace than traditional keys due to the fact that they require programming, which can only be completed by a dealership or auto locksmith. This procedure can cost up to $500 for the new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly costs for labor.

The best way to cut down on cost of replacing car keys is to not need them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can buy a duplicate key at an hardware store or box store for about $25 to $50, depending on the kind of key.

Many people are unaware that they can buy replacement keys online or at a discounted price from the manufacturer. auto key cutting of purchasing a factory key is that it's likely to be equipped with the correct transponder chip. This is important since you won't be able to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box stores don't have the capability to program modern car keys, which is why they only offer basic key duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or an independent auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.

Another thing to think about is that if you're considering purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need to make sure it isn't already programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by checking the blade of the key for chips or an open cutout that has evidence of a previous key.

A key duplication machine can be purchased, but this is not a viable option for everyone. The machine costs more than keys that are blank, so you'll need to cut many keys to make a profit. If you're not at ease using a vice, a hand file is an alternative that is less expensive. However, this isn't the most secure option as it could cause damage to the electronic components of the key or even break the key in the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars have key fobs, which are remote controls that lock and unlock your vehicle and start the engine. These are small remote transmitters that communicate with the onboard computer of your vehicle using radio waves. These are a great convenience for drivers, but they are expensive to duplicate or replace in the event of loss.

Key fobs are more expensive than traditional keys due to their sophisticated electronics. Fobs must also be programmed to work with your car and this can add up in price.

If you lose your sole working fob, it could cost up to $300 to get a replacement fob and key from the dealer. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of the new fob by as much as 50% if purchasing it on the internet. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with your car model. Some of these fobs might need to be laser-cut by a locksmith or programmed by your dealer in your area, but most can be programmed by the customer with ease (though some require two working, current keys to accomplish this).


Key fobs that are standard can be replaced for a lot less than the more sophisticated models because they do not have an embedded chip which needs to be reprogrammed. They can be costly to duplicate if you've got damaged or lost keys and require a template make them again, but they are much more affordable than the cost of replacing the entire key set from your dealer for your car.

Another option to reduce your costs for cutting keys is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, while leaving the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective way to refresh your keychain and save you the headache of trying to schedule an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob has numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys. This is especially useful when you have heavy groceries or other items in your hands. If they're equipped with this feature built in they will help you open the trunk and hatch.

The downside to these types of keys is that they tend to drain the battery and make it difficult to use for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they may also be difficult to program. Fortunately, most key fobs can be replaced using replacements from third-party vendors like Pop-A-Lock. These can often be found at a much lower cost than dealer-supplied options, when you search online or at your local hardware store.

If you already have a standard key then the cost of duplicates can be as just $10 to $15. You may also be able to purchase a replacement from your local hardware store or box chain retailers. However replacing keys that are more modern and require specialized encoding could be costly. Keys that are laser-cut, often referred to as sidewinder keys or high-security keys. These keys are made with a thicker blade and less grooves on the shank. They need to be programmed by a special machine found in a locksmith dealership.

It can be expensive to replace a key with a microchip, and it's often required to visit a dealer in order to have the replacement coded. They are also known as transponder or smart keys and they are equipped with electronics that must be validated by your vehicle before it will open any doors or start the engine. Dealers can charge between $150 to $300 for a key that has the key fob as well as transponder chips.

Keys with keyless entry can be costly to replace if you lose them or the battery of your key fob dies. The majority of modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a receiver inside your car. The car locks or unlocks itself based on this signal and opens the trunk and hatch when the key is in close proximity to the receiver.